KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte – On another day to remember, the proud Kauswaganons loudly cheered as they joined and witnessed the celebration of the "Hugyaw sa Kadagatan" (sea dancing) festival on Monday, April 24, at the Municipal Pier, Poblacion here.
Hugyaw sa Kadagatan featured eight clustered contingents from 13 barangays which showcased floats made of bamboo rafts that were decorated to animate the marine life commonly found in the municipality.
The festival is celebrated annually as a way of offering thanks for abundant sea harvest and creating awareness about the need to protect the environment which protects the people in return.
Hugyaw sa kadagatan categories were best in street dancing, gakit (float), and festival sea dancing competition.
CLUSTER 2 representing Barangay Libertad topped the Gakit (float) and sea dancing category of the Hugyaw sa Kadagatan festival which coincided with the 75th Charter Day of Kauswagan town and the feast of Senior San Vicente Ferrer on April 25. (Bonita L. Ermac)
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Winners received a prize ranging from a cash prize of P30,000 to P200,000 for the grand winner of the Gakit (float) category and finely-customized trophy.
Cluster 2 represented by Barangay Libertad clinched the title in sea dancing and gakit category while Cluster 2 and 4 represented by Barangay Tacub/Libertad bagged the street dancing category. The total prize given for the competition was P1,330,000.
Sea dancing also served as a highlight of the 75th Charter Day and the town's feast of Senior San Vicente Ferrer celebrated every April 25.
"It's our 75th Charter Day, 75 years ago we were created as a municipality and at the same time, it’s our celebration for the feast of Senior San Vicente Ferrer," said Mayor Rommel Arnado.
Arnado thanked everyone who joined the event, especially those who helped maintain the peace and order situation in Kauswagan, as well as Lanao del Norte province led by MILF commander now BTA member parliament Abdullah “Bravo” Macapaar.
"Ang Kauswagan ngayon we are so blessed, kung sasabihin nating pinakamalas, I tell you now, ang pinaka-swerte na lungsod sa buong Pilipinas is Kauswagan in Lanao del Norte," said Arnado.